With her stylish outfits and big smile, Raisa was an important part of Mikhail Gorbachev's wooing of the West.

But it became clear that glamour apart , she wielded considerable influence on her husband's decision-making.

As the Soviet Union's first "style ambassador", Mrs Gorbachev represented a one woman demonstration of "glasnost" and "perestroika".

Her globe-trotting took her to meetings with many politicians; with those on the right, such as the then British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher ...

... and those on the left, like Cuban President Fidel Castro.